Grief Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Are you ready to create the life you desire and experience meaningful connections? Together, we can navigate the complexities of your past experiences and break free from repetitive patterns, empowering you to overcome anxiety, depression, and other obstacles that hinder your well-being. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, I am an ally for individuals with marginalized identities, particularly those who identify as bi/multiracial and LGBTQ+. My practice is a safe haven where you can explore the intricacies of your life, knowing that I am dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, it is my privilege to offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore your unique challenges and work towards finding balance, healing and happiness. I offer both individual, family and couples therapy. My style is person centered, compassionate and strengths based.

I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.

Johnny Cash says it best, "... it all goes down in the mind." My specialties are EMDR Therapy, Jungian shadow work, and couples.

Welcome! Please take your time to review my information in order to make an informed choice of therapists to meet your current needs. I recently retired from SLO County Behavioral Health where I provided therapy and case management services to clients since 1989, and am now in private practice in Atascadero. I would be happy to assist you in discovering how to improve your mood, your relationships, and your life. Initial phone consultations are free, so you can decide if I am the right therapist for helping you along your journey.

Do you ever find yourself asking, "Why can't I just get my life together, get along with people like everyone else?" "Am I the crazy one?" How about "I'm tired of feeling misunderstood, walked all over, like I can't do anything right." It's easy to feel stuck and alone when struggling in life and relationships, as if you're "too emotional" and destined for a lonely and shameful life. Many opinions about what you're doing wrong and recommendations of how to fix discourage you, leaving you feeling even more flawed and confused than before. Most importantly, do you find yourself feeling sad and terrified that nobody will EVER get you?

Failing to get help, many divorced people regret that they gave up too soon. As a marriage specialist for over two decades, you can trust that you are in the care of a competent advocate for your marriage. Every marriage faces the power struggle -it's supposed to happen. Too many quit their marriage at this crucial time. Not giving yourselves the opportunity to work through this painful stage could be a tragedy because this very stage carries the seeds of true character growth and healing. An affair, dishonesty, conflict, or stress can rob you of the feelings of attunement.

I am a passionate nature enthusiast and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are interested in furthering their development and reaching a deeper understanding of their own, authentic being. I believe that we are more than our emotions and behaviors–we are complex people that require introspection and the honor of a unique and individualized path to healing. Through the exploration of stories and patterns (both current and past), I assist clients in coming into a deeper understanding and ease with the self.

Life is stressful and it can feel like it’s too much. Sometimes, we feel stuck, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or we are having life transitions that seem really difficult. Maybe you are in a couplehood that feels tense, argumentative and disconnected. I work in a partnership with my clients both individuals and couples to improve their lives and mental health. What I offer is a non judgmental space where clients can express concerns, set healthy boundaries, increase coping skills and find realistic solutions to stress, anxiety and depression through gentle guidance.

Are you seeking a safe theraputic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life? I can help you. In my private practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so you can recover and discover the person you were meant to be. I have experience in providing Court Ordered Supervised Therapeutic Visitation and reporting to the Court.

I believe that our most profound feelings contain the seeds of our transformation and growth. Working together in a warm, supportive, and connected relationship, we can gain access to these deep, transformative emotions to find healing, strength, and unimagined new vitality. I enjoy working with students and young adults, those in mid-life, and elders.

I have experience working with individuals, couples and families. I believe therapy is a safe environment to promote change, healing and an opportunity to explore yourself and how you connect with others.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

With specialties in addiction and dual diagnosis; including depression, anxiety and trauma history, I take an integrated, holistic approach to care. The therapeutic relationship is one in which optimum healing is, as a result of the reciprocal bond, between the therapist and the client. One can only be open to the experience of change and improvement in their life if they feel safe. This is the therapy space that I provide in order to help shape authentic, loving and accurate self-awareness. I provide nurturance, guidance, affirmation and compassionate reflection in order to help clients feel grounded in their own decision-making.

Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse have reached epidemic proportions in today's world. They have become a way of life for many, causing undue anguish and pain, and jeopardizing the well-being of millions as well as the significant relationships in their lives. For over 25 years I have been helping people find a way back to themselves and on a path to living healthier and happier lives. It would be an honor to help you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 16+ years of experience. I specialize in Couples Therapy, Anxiety/Depression, Maternal Mental Health, Parenting, Phase of Life issues, and Relationship and Occupational challenges. I work with clients throughout CA providing therapy via Telehealth, which allows you to meet from the comfort of your home, maximize your time, and reduces scheduling challenges. For additional information, please visit my website at www.erikatorreslmft.com

Since you found me on this site I would venture to guess something is awry in your life...am I right? Whether you are struggling with relationships, tackling your own personal demons, or just have absolutely no idea why you don't feel like your normal self anymore we can work together to figure it out and discover solutions that work for you.

Finding a therapist can be difficult, and at Summer Sessions, we hope to cut down on the searching component of your journey. We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to reflect our community with our own backgrounds and areas of expertise and support you. Whether experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)

My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders. The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.